Full credit to Eothr_Silan on reddit for this idea! You've read the summary, you know what's happening, welcome to The Wisdom of Water!
THE LIGHTNING THIEF
CHAPTER ONE: NOT-SO-HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Sally knew the love of a god was dangerous. Their lovers never get a happy ending. The Fates would never allow for it.
She shook her head. Such thoughts wouldn't help her now.
The air in the bookstore was thick with the scent of aged paper and ink, a familiar comfort that wrapped around Sally Jackson like a warm blanket.
Shelves lined with novels beckoned to her, each title promising an escape, a distraction. But no amount of fiction could divert her from the truth that loomed over her like a thundercloud.
Sally had a child in her belly - a demigod child.
She cradled her growing belly with both hands, feeling the gentle fluttering within - a reminder of the life she carried. The future was a bittersweet one - she had a child, but one who would have a life dealing with the Greek myths.
She had experienced joy and despair in equal measure, especially after that unforgettable encounter with Poseidon. The sea god had awakened something within her, and now here she was, preparing to bring a child into a world filled with both wonder and danger.
As she wandered through the aisles, a soft bell chimed above the door, and a figure caught her eye. A stunning brunette woman with striking grey eyes entered, exuding a presence that commanded attention. Sally's breath caught in her throat. It wasn't just her beauty; there was an aura of wisdom and something else that radiated from her.
"Can I help you find something?" the woman asked, her voice smooth and melodic.
Sally swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her thoughts slip momentarily away. "Just browsing, I suppose," she replied, offering a tentative smile. "I've always loved books. They're like portals to different worlds."
The woman's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, I know exactly what you mean. Every book is a universe waiting to be explored."
As they talked, Sally felt an unexpected connection blossoming between them, like a spark igniting in the depths of her heart. They shared stories of favorite authors, dream destinations, and the strange twists of fate that led them to this moment. Sally found herself laughing easily, forgetting for a fleeting second the anxiety swirling in her mind.
But the moment was fleeting. A soft flutter from her stomach reminded her of her reality - the baby, her child, the demigod.
Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the moment shifted. Sally noticed the woman's expression change, a flicker of concern shadowing her features. "You seem... different," she said, studying Sally closely. "There's something remarkable about you."
Sally shrugged, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "Just a regular mom-to-be, I guess."
"Not quite." The woman stepped closer, her gaze piercing through Sally's defenses. "You are stronger than you know."
"I never got your name," Sally said, desperate to change the subject.
"Athena." The woman said.
Before Sally could respond, she got a call. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I've been called in to work."
"Oh, it's no worry."
They exchanged numbers, promising to keep in touch. As the woman left, Sally stood frozen for a moment, contemplating the encounter. Who was she? Why did she feel so drawn to her?
For months, she went to the library and bookstore, finding solace with Athena.
Who was Athena, really? The thought lingered in her mind like an unfinished story.
Could she be a god? Sally shook her head. She'd had enough encounters with Olympians for a lifetime.
As the days ticked by, Sally found herself replaying her encounter with Athena in her mind, the way the goddess's eyes sparkled with understanding. It was unsettling how easily they had connected, how effortlessly they had bonded.
Sally knew now, undeniably, she was a goddess. She knew that she was playing with fire, but she didn't care.
In a few weeks, she was due. That night, the world was electric.
Sally was in a hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic present. The rhythmic beeping of machines provided a steady backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. She was about to bring a life into the world.
The hours felt like an eternity as she gripped the edge of the bed, breathing through the contractions that surged like waves crashing against the shore. Each wave brought her closer to her child, yet the fear of the unknown loomed larger with every moment.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and in walked two figures: Poseidon, his presence commanding, and Athena, radiating an aura of urgency and concern. Sally's heart raced at the sight of them. Poseidon's oceanic green eyes were filled with worry, while Athena's grey ones shimmered with a strange intensity.
"Sally," Poseidon said, his voice low and rich like the tide. "I'm here."
She had never been more happy to see him. But he wasn't the only god in the room.
Athena stepped forward, her expression frantic. "Why are you here? It is my child!"
Poseidon frowned. "No. Sally bears my son."
"Athena," Sally breathed, recognizing the goddess even through the haze of pain.
The goddess was frantic, her voice rising in pitch as she cried, "Sally! Where is he? Where is our child? He's lost!"
Poseidon stepped forward, his brow furrowing in confusion and anger. "What do you mean lost? He's right here!"
"Don't blame me!" Athena snapped, her voice echoing in the small room. "This shouldn't have happened!"
Before they could argue further, a wail erupted from Sally's arms. A newborn cry was heard, and she cradled the tiny bundle against her chest. She looked down, and her heart soared and shattered all at once. "What's happening?" Sally interrupted, panic tightening her chest. "Is something wrong?"
Athena's gaze darted to Poseidon hysterically. "You have stolen my child!"
Sally's heart raced as Athena's words hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. "Stolen?" she echoed, bewildered. "Athena, I didn't steal anything! I-"
Poseidon stepped forward, attempting to calm the situation. "No one has stolen anything, Athena. Sally carries our son, a child born from both of us. It is not an act of theft but a union, however unconventional."
Athena's eyes widened, and her voice trembled with intensity. "A union? You think this is a mere transaction? This is my blood, Poseidon! I have the right to claim him. I have the right to protect him!"
Sally felt her heart pounding against her ribs as she tried to piece together the fragments of their confrontation. "What do you mean, claim him? I'm his mother! I've carried him for months, and I-"
"You don't understand the implications of his heritage," Athena interrupted, her tone sharp. "He is destined for greatness, and I will not allow you to stifle that by keeping him hidden from his true potential!"
Sally's anxiety flared. "Hidden? I want to give him a normal life! He doesn't have to be a part of your world-"
"He will be a part of my world," Athena insisted, her voice rising. "A demigod born of wisdom and strength must be prepared for the challenges ahead. He cannot be raised in ignorance."
Poseidon's gaze hardened. "And you think your frantic presence here will ensure that? Your wisdom is valuable, but it is not the only guiding force he needs. The sea holds its own lessons, Athena. He needs both of us, not just you."
Sally interrupted again, desperation in her voice. "What's happening to him? Is something wrong with the baby?"
Poseidon turned to her, his expression softening as he reached for her hand. "No, Sally. He is healthy, but he will face challenges that neither of us can predict. Athena is afraid, and her fears are valid."
Athena's eyes glistened, emotion cracking her veneer of composure. "I cannot lose him, Sally. I won't let him fall into the clutches of my father, or Hades. The prophecy…"
Sally felt her heart pound in her chest as the words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. She looked between the two divine figures. The contrast between Poseidon's calm assurance and Athena's frantic urgency was obvious.
"What do you mean, Poseidon?" Sally asked, her voice trembling slightly. "You're both here… for him?"
Athena's gaze flicked to Sally, her expression softening momentarily. "I want what's best for him," she said, her tone firm yet tinged with vulnerability. "But he is mine too, Sally. He carries my blood."
Poseidon stepped forward, his presence larger than life, a calming wave against Athena's storm. "He is my son, and I will protect him. But he needs guidance from both of us."
"Guidance?" Athena scoffed, her eyes narrowing as she took a step back. "He needs a mother who understands the world he will inhabit, not just a father who rules the oceans."
"Understand this," Poseidon replied, his tone low but intense. "You may be the goddess of wisdom, but wisdom alone won't protect him from the dangers he'll face. He needs to know the strength of the sea, the power that comes from being my son."
"Stop," Sally interjected, her voice rising above their argument. "You're both acting as if I'm not here. This is my child. He's part of me as well, and I won't let either of you turn this into a battle."
Sally looked down at the swaddled bundle in her arms, the tiny face nestled against her chest, blissfully unaware of the tension that surrounded him. "What if he doesn't want this life?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What if he just wants to be a normal boy?"
Poseidon's expression softened, a rare vulnerability shining through. "The gods will always seek him out. He cannot escape his heritage, Sally. But with love and guidance, we can help him navigate this path."
Athena stepped closer, her tone serious but laced with compassion. "And we must teach him to embrace both sides of his lineage. The sea may call to him, but so will wisdom, strategy. He needs to learn how to balance them."
Sally nodded slowly, feeling the weight of their words settle in her heart. "Then let's work together. I may not be a god or goddess, but I am his mother, and I will do everything in my power to protect him."
Poseidon smiled, the tension easing as he reached out to touch her shoulder gently. "Together, then."
Athena's expression softened, and she stepped back. "Together."
As they shared a moment of quiet understanding, Sally felt a rush of hope ignite within her. This child, their child, would not face the world alone. He would have the strength of the sea, the wisdom of the gods, and the love of a mother who would fight for him fiercely.
The storm outside rumbled once more, but this time, it felt more like a promise than a threat. Sally breathed deeply.
In Sally's arms lay a baby boy, with one eye the color of the sea and the other a stormy grey - so reminiscent of the gods who stood before her. "Perseus," she decided. "That will be his name."
Poseidon nodded. "Sacker of cities? Destroyer? That is the name you chose?"
"I was thinking more the whole happy ending of Perseus, but sure." Sally said through clenched teeth. She gritted her teeth as another wave of exhaustion washed over her. She cradled her son closer, gazing down at his tiny face. "Perseus," she repeated softly, smoothing a thumb over his cheek. "Not for destruction, but for hope. He'll have a different story."
Poseidon raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching as if amused. "You're naming him for a hero who slayed monsters and gods."
Sally shot him a look, still feeling the last pangs of labor. "If that's what it takes to keep him safe, then so be it."
Athena, watching silently, tilted her head. "Bellerophon," she said.
Poseidon and Sally turned to look at her.
Athena nodded. "Perseus Bellerophon," she mused, repeating the name as if tasting its meaning. "A combination of strength, wisdom, and hope. He will be all of those things, and more."
The weight of those words settled over the room like a protective shield. Sally could feel it - the enormity of what her son represented. A child born of the sea and wisdom, carrying the legacies of gods in his veins. A demigod child of Wisdom and the Sea, born of a mortal woman's body.
But for now, he was just her son.
She smiled down at him. "Perseus Bellerophon Jackson."
Both gods stood in silent agreement as the storm outside roared its approval.
THE WISDOM OF WATER
Percy Jackson was not a normal child in any sense of the word.
He grew up in a world shaped by the powerful forces of his divine parentage. His early years seemed normal enough - at least to those who didn't know him. To the outside world, he was just a boy with a wild imagination, curious and full of energy. But behind closed doors, Percy's world was anything but ordinary.
Sally, as protective as she was loving, worked tirelessly to provide Percy with a life that felt normal. They lived in a small apartment in New York City, far away from the gods and their schemes. Poseidon, while often absent, would visit from time to time, always bringing gifts from the sea - conch shells that sang with the sound of waves, driftwood that glowed faintly in the dark, and pearls that sparkled with an otherworldly light.
Athena too gave gifts - puzzles and books and sometimes daggers, which Sally quickly took away from her son.
But as much as Sally tried to give Percy a typical childhood, it was clear from the start that her son was anything but typical.
By the age of three, Percy had already demonstrated an unusual affinity for water. Bath time always turned into an adventure. The water would obey his slightest whims, splashing about without spilling, forming shapes that danced in the air. Once, he'd even made a small fountain bubble up from the drain, laughing in delight as it sprayed into the air, the droplets sparkling in the bathroom light.
Sally couldn't help but smile at his antics, though it worried her too. She knew that Percy's powers would only grow as he did, and it wouldn't be long before they became harder to hide.
By the age of five, it became clear that Percy wasn't just special because of his ability to control water. He was incredibly sharp for his age, his storm-grey eye often twinkling with thoughts he didn't yet have the words to express. He'd spend hours building intricate models from Lego sets - ships, towers, even structures that didn't exist in any guidebooks. And once, Sally caught him sketching armour on a piece of paper, its design eerily complex for a child his age.
"What's this, sweetie?" she asked, looking over his shoulder.
Percy grinned, his sea-green eye bright with excitement. "It's armour, Mom! Like the ones in the stories you read me."
Sally couldn't help but feel a pang of awe and fear. He was so much like Athena, his mind always working, always imagining, always seeking answers. She knew it was only a matter of time before his wisdom led him to questions she couldn't easily answer.
As Percy got older, his powers grew stronger, and so did his curiosity. He would stand on the shore during their rare visits to the beach, staring out at the ocean with a look of longing in his eyes. Sometimes, Sally thought she saw the waves respond to him, the tide shifting subtly, as if reaching out to meet him.
When he was six, he had his first real encounter with the sea. They were at Montauk, and Sally had fallen asleep on the beach while Percy played near the water. When she woke, she found him standing waist-deep in the ocean, his arms spread wide as if he was calling the water to him. The waves circled him gently, never pulling him under, as if they recognized him as their own.
"Percy!" she called, panic gripping her.
He turned to her with a bright smile. "Look, Mom! The water listens to me!"
Sally ran to him, her heart pounding. She pulled him out of the water, her hands shaking. "You can't do that, Percy. It's not safe."
"But it's okay, Mom. The water won't hurt me," he said, his sea-green eye shining with confidence.
Sally held him close, her mind racing. How long could she keep this hidden? How long could she protect him from the gods, from the world that would want to control him?
By the time Percy was eight, his dual heritage became more pronounced. His natural curiosity turned into a thirst for knowledge. He devoured books about the sea, about history, about myths. He would ask Sally questions about gods, ancient battles, and great heroes, and she would answer as best as she could, leaving out the parts that would reveal his true nature.
Eventually, she told him the truth. At first, Percy didn't believe her, but he was smart, too smart, and he knew it to be true.
It didn't stop him from destroying the plumbing, but still.
One evening, when he was ten, they sat in the living room. Percy looked up from his book and asked, "Mom, if I'm special, why do I have to hide?"
Sally's heart sank. She had been dreading this question. "You're special in ways most people won't understand, Percy. And sometimes, people are afraid of things they don't understand."
Percy frowned. "But why would they be afraid of me? I don't want to hurt anyone."
Sally smiled softly and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "It's not about hurting anyone. It's about power. You have power that some people might want to use, and others might want to stop."
"Like the gods?" he asked quietly, his storm-grey eye narrowing in thought.
Sally hesitated. "Yes, like the gods."
Percy was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant. "But you and Mom and Dad… you're not afraid of me, right?"
"Of course not," Sally said, hugging him tightly. "We love you, Percy. No matter what happens, we'll always love you."
As the years passed, Percy's abilities continued to grow, and so did the weight on Sally's shoulders. She knew it was only a matter of time before the gods noticed him, before his powers could no longer be hidden. He was a force of nature, a storm waiting to break, and she could only hope that when the time came, he would be ready.
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the small apartment where Sally Jackson sat, baking cookies. Percy was eleven, reading quietly. A gentle knock broke the stillness, and Sally opened the door to reveal a tall, graceful woman with piercing grey eyes and an aura of wisdom.
"Athena," Sally breathed, stepping aside to let her enter. "You're here."
Athena smiled, her presence bringing an immediate sense of calm. "I have come to bestow a gift upon my son." She knelt down to Percy's level, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "Percy, my child, you are destined for greatness, and with that destiny comes the need for tools of both wisdom and stealth."
With a flick of her wrist, a Yankees cap materialized in her hand, the Y and N shining brightly against the dim light of the room. She held it out to him, the fabric appearing both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. "This cap has the power of invisibility. When you wear it, you can blend into the shadows, unseen by enemies. But remember, my dear, wisdom is not just in being hidden; it is in knowing when to emerge."
Percy's eyes widened as he reached for the cap, a rush of excitement coursing through him. "Wow! Thanks, Mom!" He pulled the cap over his head, and the world around him blurred, colors fading into a soft haze. He giggled, feeling the power coursing through him, the thrill of being unseen washing over him like the tide.
Athena chuckled softly, watching him. "You will learn much from this gift, Percy. But wisdom is best used with a clear mind."
Just as Athena finished speaking, another presence filled the room - one that felt deeper, like the ocean. Poseidon appeared in a swirl of water, his figure both majestic and imposing. He approached his son, eyes reflecting the depths of the sea.
"Percy," Poseidon said, his voice like rolling waves, "I have a gift for you as well." He held out a pen, but when he uncapped it, it was beautifully crafted sword, its blade gleaming with celestial bronze. "This is Riptide, a weapon forged from the heart of the sea itself. It will serve you in battles to come."
Percy's small hands reached for the sword, feeling its weight and the ancient power thrumming within it. He couldn't help but grin as he unsheathed it, marveling at the way it shimmered under the fading light. "It's amazing, Dad! Can I use it now?"
"Not yet, my son," Poseidon said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "But keep it close. It will guide you when the time is right. The sea is calm, but it can become furious in an instant. You must learn to navigate both the storms and the stillness."
Percy nodded, feeling the significance of the moment wash over him. With one hand, he placed the Yankees cap atop his head, and with the other, he held Riptide, the sword of a hero. Two gifts from two powerful gods - one of wisdom, the other of strength.
"Remember, Percy," Athena said, rising to her full height, "you are a child of both the sea and wisdom. Your journey will be one of balance, and both gifts will guide you."
As the sun set, casting long shadows across the room, Percy felt a sense of purpose fill him.
By the age of twelve, Percy had fully embraced his love for ships, spending hours building models and drawing designs for vessels that could sail not only the seas but the skies as well. He would talk endlessly about engines, sails, and flight, his mind constantly working, constantly dreaming of what could be.
Sally watched him with pride and fear, knowing that he was more than she could ever have imagined. He was both a heir of the sea and the son of wisdom. And one day, the world would see him for what he truly was.
But for now, he was still her little boy - her Percy - and she would hold onto him for as long as she could.
THE WISDOM OF WATER
It was decided, in Percy's mind. Ms Dodds was evil.
Ok, back up a bit. Percy stood at the entrance of the museum, where his class was going on a field trip.
Yancy Academy was a prestigious boarding school tucked away in the heart of New York City. It was for rich kids with even richer parents, hence the abundance of field trips and snooty students.
The imposing brick facade loomed before him, and the manicured lawns and grand architecture felt intimidating. He'd only been there for a year, but every trip felt like a test he was never prepared for.
Which was weird, because despite his dyslexia and ADHD, Percy was good at tests, or anything conventially 'smart' - maths, writing, things like that.
As he joined the throng of students filing into the museum, he couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. Like a fish out of water.
"Hey, Percy!" called a familiar voice. It was Grover, his best friend, a satyr with wild curls and a nervous energy that often got them into trouble.
Technically he wasn't meant to know Grover was a satyr, but he wasn't very good at hiding things, and Percy was very good at noticing things.
Grover's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Ready for the museum trip today?"
Percy forced a smile. "Yeah, sure. Nothing like a bunch of old rocks to make my day."
Grover chuckled, oblivious to Percy's sarcasm. "Come on, it'll be fun! Plus, you never know what kind of things might be hiding in there."
"Yeah, like Ms. Dodds," Percy muttered, recalling the pre-algebra teacher who always seemed to have it out for him. Her piercing gaze could make anyone feel like they were being judged for their very existence.
As they gathered in the auditorium, Ms. Dodds stood at the front, her presence commanding silence. The other students shifted in their seats, and Percy felt a prickle of unease at the back of his neck. Something about her felt… off.
"Listen up," Ms. Dodds said, her voice sharp and unwavering. "We'll be visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art today. I expect you to behave."
Percy exchanged a glance with Grover. "Yeah, she sounds super friendly," he whispered.
"Just stick close to me," Grover whispered back, his eyes wide with concern.
The bus ride was a blur of excitement and anxiety, and as they arrived at the museum, Percy couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and dread. He didn't know why, but he fingered Riptide and his Yankees cap - he felt he'd need them.
Inside, they wandered through halls filled with artifacts from ancient civilizations. The Egyptian exhibit captivated Percy, with its mummies and statues that seemed to come alive under the dim light. He drifted away from the group, drawn to a glass case displaying a golden sarcophagus.
He saw an exhibit saying something about a son of Sobek, but before he could look any further, the group was moving on to the greek exhibit.
Percy saw something about a lover of Athena called Perseus, but as far as he knew his mom had never liked his namesake.
He shrugged, instead choosing to wander off, looking at armours and swords.
"Imagine the secrets it holds," he mused, reaching out to touch the cool glass.
Suddenly, he felt a presence behind him. Percy turned to find Ms. Dodds glaring at him, her expression unreadable. "You shouldn't wander off, Percy Jackson. You never know what might be lurking in the shadows."
He swallowed hard. "I was just looking."
"Looking won't save you from the consequences," she replied, her voice low and dangerous.
Percy's heart raced as he stepped back, suddenly feeling the coolness of the air around him shift. Something was wrong - terribly wrong. He felt a chill run down his spine, as if the shadows themselves were closing in.
As the rest of the group moved on, Percy stood frozen, his instincts screaming that something was about to happen. The museum felt alive with energy, and he could hear the faintest whisper of crashing waves echoing in his mind.
"Percy!" Grover called from a distance, his voice breaking through the haze of anxiety.
But before he could respond, the room seemed to tilt, and Ms. Dodds moved closer, her eyes glowing with an unholy light. She transformed into a demon, with glowing eyes, talons, and leathery wings. No, not a demon - a Fury.
Panic surged through him, and he instinctively reached for Riptide, uncapping it. Ms Dodds snarled and lunged at him.
Percy dodged and slipped on his cap, rendering him invisible.
His breath quickened, but he steadied himself, focusing on the weight of Riptide in his hand. He needed a plan. He could hear her footsteps echoing through the exhibit, the sound both thrilling and terrifying.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are," she taunted, her voice echoing through the hall. "You can't escape your fate."
Percy glanced around, his heart pounding as he searched for a way to outmaneuver her. The other students had moved on, leaving him alone with this... creature. He could feel the coldness radiating from her, and he knew he had to act fast.
"Hey ugly!" He called. "Over here!"
Ms Dodds charged where his voice was, but Percy was ready. He took off his cap, appearing behind her, and swinging Riptide in a fluid arc.
The blade glimmered with a fierce light as it sliced through the air, connecting with Ms. Dodds's side. She let out a screech that echoed through the exhibit, a sound that sent shivers down Percy's spine. Her wings were bent unnaturally.
"You think you've won?" she spat, her voice laced with venom.
"I do, actually."
"This isn't the end, boy. There are far worse things than me in this world."
Percy stepped back, breathing heavily, his heart pounding in his chest. His sea-green eye glowed. "Maybe so, but you won't be one of them."
He brought down his sword, watching his pre-algebra turn into dust. His raised an eyebrow above his stormy grey eye.
Most demigods would be freaking out, but Percy wasn't most demigods. After all, the sea didn't like to be restrained, and Athena always, always, had a plan.
Uh yeah, that's it. This is a PERSONAL PROJECT, so unless it gets a huge amount of love, it's not getting regular updates. I gotta focus on my main fics, sorry.
Much love to all of you!